Police Host Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon

NEWTON, N.C. (Dec. 6, 2016)—A holiday tradition more than 30 years in the making continued Dec. 6 with the Newton Police Department’s Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon.The honored guests at the annual luncheon are members of the police department’s call list. Members telephone the police department every morning to let officers know they’re all right. If someone on the list fails to call, officers try to reach the person by phone. When anyone on the list cannot be reached by phone, an officer heads to the person’s home to make sure he or she is well.

“This really means a lot,” LaRue Harrison said. She’s been on the call list for about five years and said the extra attention she gets from Newton’s officers is something she cherishes.

“I don’t drive and get out a lot,” Harrison said. “There are days that go by and I don’t talk to anyone except when I get my call. They’re just great, the police and the city employees.”

“It’s always a great privilege to be here,” the Rev. Fred Thompson said to the assembled guests and officers before blessing the meal. “This is one of the highlights of my year. I’d like to express my deep gratitude for the police department and city officials.”

Attendees enjoyed a lunch of salad, chicken and dumplings, country-style steak, and an assortment of desserts.

Ken and the Troubadours, led by Newton Parking Enforcement Officer Ken Campbell, played a twangy mix of bluegrass classics and Christmas carols during the luncheon.

After the meal, Newton Police Chief Don Brown stood to draw numbers for prizes for each guest. Santa and Mrs. Clause were on hand to help distribute the gifts.

“It means so much to me and our officers to bring in our seniors every year for this luncheon,” Brown said. “I know I say this every year, but we’ll continue to do this every year for as long as I’m around. Our seniors have given so much to our community, and this is our chance to give back to them.”